If you’ve ever said, “I just don’t push myself unless someone else is with me,” or “I only exercise when I’ve booked into a class,” this post is for you.

You might be what I call a Connection Seeker. And don’t worry, I am too.

I love meeting a friend for a walk. I’m way more likely to show up for a 6am GLOW10 session when someone else is waiting on Zoom than I am if I’m doing it solo. If I’ve committed to someone else, I’m there. But if it’s just me? It’s a whole different story.

Maybe you feel the same. You have no problem showing up for others—but struggle to show up for yourself.

Here’s the good news: there is nothing wrong with being a Connection Seeker. You’re not broken. You don’t need to be “fixed”. You just need systems that honour who you are.

But here’s the trap…

Relying only on external connection—classes, buddies, programs—can quietly become a self-limiting belief.

Let me explain, with a story that (stay with me) starts in the kitchen.

When relying on others backfires (and what cooking has to do with it)

About a year ago, I hit a wall with cooking. Between the meal planning, shopping, prepping and picky eaters… I was done. I remember thinking: I just don’t want to be the one who cooks dinner anymore.

I dreamed about eating out every night—someone else doing the work, zero mental load, great vibe. But realistically? Not in the budget. Not the healthiest choice long-term. Not a life skill I wanted to skip for my kids.

So we made a new plan. We simplified. I stopped micromanaging. We found a way to make it work in our home without relying on restaurants to feed us.

And that’s the same mindset we need to apply to movement.

If the only way you exercise is with others, what happens when life changes? When a friend cancels? When the class gets rescheduled? When your gym buddy moves away?

It’s not about giving up the community—it’s about having a backup plan.

How to thrive as a Connection Seeker (without becoming dependent on others)

Step one: Acknowledge that you love connection.
That’s not a flaw—it’s a strength. You value energy, people, and shared experience. Amazing.

Step two: Build in as much connection as your budget and schedule allow.
Book the classes. Walk with friends. Put them in the diary. Enjoy them. Don’t apologise for needing them.

Step three: Layer in a Plan B.
Because life will change—and if you don’t have solo options in your toolkit, your entire habit can unravel.

(I learned this the hard way when my walking friend moved away. I thought I loved walking… but I hadn’t realised how much I’d been relying on her to get me out the door.)

Tips for building your backup plan

There are different reasons we seek connection. Start by identifying what resonates most with you:

1. You love the vibe and energy of group classes

Recreate that at home.
🎶 Make a playlist
🏋️ Use a fun, high-energy program
🌟 Set up your space to feel like a party, not a punishment

2. You struggle with the mental load

If planning the workout is the problem, choose something with structure.
✅ My GLOW10 Tribe is perfect for this—just press play
✅ No thinking required, everything is ready for you
✅ Commit to the routine, not just the result

3. You like distraction and company

Try temptation bundling.
📱 Listen to your favourite podcast while walking
📺 Do your strength workout while watching a show
🎧 Let movement piggyback off something you already love

4. You don’t push yourself alone

That’s okay too. Not every session has to be a sweat-fest.
💡 Save the hard stuff for when you’re with others
💡 Let your solo sessions be gentle, grounding and enjoyable
💡 Movement doesn’t have to be max effort to be effective

It’s not either/or. It’s both/and.

You can be someone who thrives in connection and learns to show up solo.
You can be a group-class-lover and someone who puts on their runners and walks alone.
You can build the skill of self-driven consistency—even just a little.

Because the more consistent you are, however you get there, the more your body, energy, and confidence will thank you.

Want to know your exercise personality?

Take my free 2-minute quiz to find out your strengths and blockers when it comes to movement.

👉 Take the quiz

And if you do identify as a Connection Seeker (even a little), come and DM me @glowwithlibby and tell me:
What’s one small self-driven move you’re going to try this week?
I’d love to hear and cheer you on.

Let’s keep it simple, sustainable, and strong.
See you next week.